SpaceX launches astronauts from US, UAE and Russia to space station

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off (John Raoux/AP)

SpaceX has launched four astronauts to the International Space Station for Nasa, including the first person from the Arab world going up for an extended stay.

The Falcon rocket blasted off from Kennedy Space Centre shortly after midnight, illuminating the night sky as it headed up the East Coast.